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General Tso’s Chicken Bowls

General Tso's Chicken Bowls
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General Tso’s Chicken Bowls offer a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal balancing sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a glossy, thick sauce served over fluffy jasmine or brown rice, this dish delivers a satisfying, customizable one-bowl experience ideal for busy weeknights or easy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1–2 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar as alternatives)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup water or as needed

Vegetables & Garnish

  • 1–2 cups vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Base

  • Cooked jasmine or brown rice, enough for 4 servings

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and lightly toss them in cornstarch to create a crispy coating that helps the sauce adhere perfectly.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a splash of water to combine a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce base.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy all over.
  4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. In the same pan, quickly stir-fry your chosen vegetables until crisp-tender but still vibrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine and Thicken: Return the chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats each piece of chicken and vegetables.
  6. Assemble Your Bowls: Serve the saucy chicken and vegetables over a bed of cooked jasmine or brown rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired for extra aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • Coating the chicken in cornstarch is essential for achieving a crispy texture and helping the sauce cling to the meat.
  • Use freshly minced ginger and garlic to enhance the authentic flavor profile.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by tasting before thickening and adding more brown sugar or alternatives if preferred.
  • Cook over medium-high heat to sear the chicken and vegetables, avoiding steaming for better texture.
  • Prepare rice ahead of time and keep warm for quick assembling and serving.
  • For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and confirm cornstarch or thickener is gluten-free.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy variation.
  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
  • Incorporate toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews for extra crunch.
  • Include pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, Asian chicken bowl, quick chicken dinner, easy stir-fry, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken bowl, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/general-tsos-chicken-bowls/